I am delighted to see vibrant and diverse ideas that benefit the SPE community and provide experiential learning opportunities for students to build their skills. I'm excited to support this year's winners to develop their projects and activities and see their ideas flourish.
Becky Hart, Student Engagement Manager & Opportunity Fund Panellist
16 December 2025
Students and staff awarded funding for a diverse range of projects
The School of Politics & Economics (SPE) opportunity fund has received it’s first round of applications in the 2025-26 academic year from students and staff. Funding has been awarded to a diverse range of exciting projects, aiming to enhance the SPE community

In it’s first round for the academic year, the fund has received it’s highest number of applications (22), with half of those receiving funding. This year the fund has been supported by alumni donations via the Kingsmaker Guild. Applications were received from students (undergraduates, postgraduate taught, postgraduate research), academics and professional service staff.
Projects awarded funding include student competitions themed on sustainable policy pitching, and essay writing about History & Political Economy. Student applications include a workshop series on grief awareness, and a student group collaborating with an academic to deliver a London-based conference. Notable staff applications include an event themed on race equality and empowerment through sport and a careers event in collaboration with a Department of Political Economy alumni, currently working in the Civil Service.
The fund continues to provide the SPE community with a unique opportunity to enhance the student and staff experience, funding a diverse range of exciting projects.
Students and staff in SPE can apply for the second round of the opportunity fund in the new year. The second round will be open for applications from 29 January - 12 February 2026.
Full details, terms and conditions, and frequently asked questions are available on KEATS and via the following link: SPE Opportunity Fund.
